Method and apparatus for antigen retrieval process

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a method for antigen retrieval of a formaldehyde-fixed tissue sample comprising incubating a formaldehyde-fixed tissue sample in a first antigen retrieval solution at a temperature of greater than 90° C., transferring the tissue sample to a second antigen retrieval solution, and incubating the tissue sample in the second antigen retrieval solution at a temperature of greater than 90° C. The invention also provides a kit and sample delivery device for carrying out the method.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/547,768, filed on 26 Aug. 2009 and is herein incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND

Diagnostic cell imaging uses methods whereby molecules produced by cellsor tissues can be specifically localized to those cells or tissues. Thisprovides a researcher with information as to the sites of production oractivity of those given molecules. For the specific localization ofproteins in routine pathology, a procedure known as immunohistochemistry(IHC) is routinely utilized. In IHC an antibody for a specific antigenis applied to a fixed tissue sample that recognizes a known specificmolecule as a first step. This antibody is then detected with the use ofa secondary antibody that has been chemically coupled with an enzyme,such as horseradish peroxidase. After incubation with a chromogenicsubstrate such as di-amino-benzidine (DAB), a colored deposit isproduced at the site of the secondary antibody that has bound to theprimary antibody at the specific site of the protein of interest. Thisprocedure is currently utilized for over 200 antibodies in clinicalpathology labs and many more in the research environment.

The nature of tissue processing requires that the samples be “fixed”prior to embedding in paraffin and micro-sectioning on a microtome toproduce tissue sections suitable for immunostaining. During thisprocess, proteins are preserved using a formaldehyde treatment thatproduces chemical cross-linking which preserves the cellular features ofthe tissue. Formaldehyde preserves or fixes tissue or cellspredominantly by cross-linking primary amine groups in proteins withother nearby nitrogen atoms in protein or DNA through a —CH2— linkage.The process of tissue fixation however, frequently masks antigens onspecific proteins for which detection is desirable for diagnostic andprognostic purposes. Typically procedures are optimized for detection ofindividual target molecules, and when needed, serial sections areprocessed in a different manner for the detection of additional targetsmolecules. With advances in the ability to detect multiple antigens in asingle sample, there needs to be a uniform tissue processing that iscompatible with the detection of multiple proteins.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In a first aspect, the invention provides a method of antigen retrievalof a formaldehyde-fixed tissue sample comprising the step of incubatingthe formaldehyde-fixed tissue sample in a first antigen retrievalsolution at a temperature of greater than 90° C., transferring thetissue sample to a second antigen retrieval solution, and incubating thetissue sample in the second antigen retrieval solution at a temperatureof greater than 90° C.

In a second aspect, the invention provides a kit for retrieving antigensin a formaldehyde-fixed tissue sample, comprising, a first antigenretrieval solution that retrieves at least a portion of unretrievedantigens in the sample, and a second antigen retrieval solution thatretrieves at least some of another portion of unretrieved antigens inthe sample.

In a third aspect, the invention provides a sample handling device forcarrying out the an antigen retrieval method comprising a samplehandling subsystem, a reagent dispensing subsystem, and a signaldetection subsystem.

DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood when the following detaileddescription is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in whichlike characters represent like parts throughout the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a representative sample handling device for contacting aformaldehyde fixed tissue sample with an antigen retrieval solutions.

FIG. 2 is a monochromatic micrograph (at 20× or 63× magnification)showing enhanced staining using a two-step procedure compared to a onestep procedure.

FIG. 3 shows monochromatic micrographs (at 20× magnification) showingenhanced staining using a two step procedure in a multiplex analysisFISH of BrCA tumor.

FIG. 4 is a bar chart of quantitative analysis results comparing amanual two-step antigen retrieval method to automated methods.

FIG. 5 shows monochromatic micrographs (at 20× magnification) of thebleaching effect on antigen-S6 staining on sample prepared by either themanual two-step antigen retrieval method or one of two automated antigenretrieval processes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To more clearly and concisely describe and point out the subject matterof the claimed invention, the following definitions are provided forspecific terms that are used in the following description and the claimsappended hereto.

DEFINITIONS

“Antibody” refers to an immunoglobulin that specifically binds to and isthereby defined as complementary with a particular spatial and polarorganization of another molecule. The antibody may be monoclonal orpolyclonal and may be prepared by techniques that are well known in theart such as immunization of a host and collection of sera (polyclonal),or by preparing continuous hybrid cell lines and collecting the secretedprotein (monoclonal), or by cloning and expressing nucleotide sequencesor mutagenized versions thereof, coding at least for the amino acidsequences required for specific binding of natural antibodies.Antibodies may include a complete immunoglobulin or fragment thereof,which immunoglobulins include the various classes and isotypes, such asIgA, IgD, IgE, IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b and IgG3, IgM. Functional antibodyfragments may include portions of an antibody capable of retainingbinding at similar affinity to full-length antibody (for example, Fab,Fv and F (ab′)₂, or Fab′). In addition, aggregates, polymers, andconjugates of immunoglobulins or their fragments may be used whereappropriate so long as binding affinity for a particular molecule issubstantially maintained.

“Antigen” refers to a substance that may bind an antibody or antibodyfragment. Antigens may be endogenous whereby they are generated withinthe cell as a result of normal or abnormal cell metabolism, or becauseof viral or intracellular bacterial infections. Endogenous antigensinclude xenogenic (heterologous), autologous and idiotypic or allogenic(homologous) antigens. Antigens may also be tumor-specific antigens orpresented by tumor cells. In this case, they are called tumor-specificantigens (TSAs) and, in general, result from a tumor-specific mutation.Antigens may also be tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), which arepresented by tumor cells and normal cells. Antigen also includes CDantigens, which refers any of a number of cell-surface markers expressedby leukocytes and can be used to distinguish cell lineages ordevelopmental stages. Such markers can be identified by specificmonoclonal antibodies and are numbered by their cluster ofdifferentiation.

“FISH” and “CISH” refer to fluorescent in situ hybridization andchromagenic in situ hybridization respectfully. FISH is a cytogenetictechnique used to detect and localize the presence or absence ofspecific DNA sequences on chromosomes or RNA sequences at transcriptionsites as well as in other parts of the cell. FISH uses fluorescentprobes that bind to only those parts of the chromosome with which theyshow a high degree of sequence similarity. CISH allows detection of geneamplification, chromosome translocations and chromosome number usingconventional enzymatic reactions under the brightfield microscope onformalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues.

“Immunostaining” refers to an antibody-based method to detect a specificprotein in a sample. Immunostaining includes both immunocyctochemicalstaining and immunohistochemical staining. Immunocyctochemical (ICC)staining refers to a technique that uses antibodies which targetantigenson the cells. This may be performed to determine the presence ofcertain diseases, for example, types of cancer. Immunohistochemical(IHC) staining refers to the staining and localization of antigens intissue sections by the use of labeled antibodies as specific reagentsthrough antigen-antibody interactions that are visualized by a markersuch as fluorophores, reacted enzyme substrates, radioactive element orcolloidal gold.

“Probe” refers to an agent having a binder and a label, such as a signalgenerator or an enzyme. In some embodiments, the binder and the label(signal generator or the enzyme) are embodied in a single entity. Asused herein “binder” refers to a molecule capable of reacting with orassociating with another molecule, such as an antigen binding to anantibody. The binder and the label may be attached directly (e.g., via afluorescent molecule incorporated into the binder) or indirectly (e.g.,through a linker, which may include a cleavage site) and applied to thetissue sample in a single step. In alternative embodiments, the binderand the label are embodied in discrete entities (e.g., a primaryantibody capable of binding a target and an enzyme or a signalgenerator-labeled secondary antibody capable of binding the primaryantibody). When the binder and the label (signal generator or theenzyme) are separate entities they may be applied to a tissue sample ina single step or multiple steps. The term “fluorescent probe” refers toan agent having a binder coupled to a fluorescent signal generator.

“Signal generator” refers to a molecule capable of providing adetectable signal using one or more detection techniques (e.g.,spectrometry, calorimetry, spectroscopy, or visual inspection). Suitableexamples of a detectable signal may include an optical signal, andelectrical signal, or a radioactive signal. Examples of signalgenerators include one or more of a chromophore, a fluorophore, aRaman-active tag, or a radioactive label. As stated above, with regardto the probe, the signal generator and the binder may be present in asingle entity (e.g., a target binding protein with a fluorescent label)in some embodiments. Alternatively, the binder and the signal generatormay be discrete entities (e.g., a receptor protein and alabeled-antibody against that particular receptor protein) thatassociate with each other before or upon introduction to the sample.

“Fluorophore” or “Fluorescent signal generator” refers to a chemicalcompound, which when excited by exposure to a particular wavelength oflight, emits light at a different wavelength. Fluorophores may bedescribed in terms of their emission profile, or “color.” Greenfluorophores (for example Cy3, FITC, and Oregon Green) may becharacterized by their emission at wavelengths generally in the range of515 to 540 nanometers. Red fluorophores (for example Texas Red, Cy5, andtetramethylrhodamine) may be characterized by their emission atwavelengths generally in the range of 590 to 690 nanometers. Examples offluorophores include, but are not limited to,4-acetamido-4′-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2′ disulfonic acid, acridine,derivatives of acridine and acridine isothiocyanate, 5-(2′-aminoethyl)amino naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (EDANS),4-amino-N-[3-vinylsulfonyl)phenyl]naphthalimide-3,5 disulfonate (LuciferYellow VS), N-(4-anilino-1-naphthyl)maleimide, anthranilamide, BrilliantYellow, coumarin, coumarin derivatives, 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin (AMC,Coumarin 120), 7-amino-trifluoromethylcouluarin (Coumaran 151),cyanosine; 4′,6-diaminidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI),5′,5″-dibromopyrogallol-sulfonephthalein (Bromopyrogallol Red),7-diethylamino-3-(4′-isothiocyanatophenyl)-4-methylcoumarin, -,4,4′-diisothiocyanatodihydro-stilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid,4,4′-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid,5-[dimethylamino]naphthalene-1-sulfonyl chloride (DNS, dansyl chloride),eosin, derivatives of eosin such as eosin isothiocyanate, erythrosine,derivatives of erythrosine such as erythrosine B and erythrosinisothiocyanate; ethidium; fluorescein and derivatives such as5-carboxyfluorescein (FAM), 5-(4,6-dichlorotriazin-2-yl)aminofluorescein (DTAF),2′7′-dimethoxy-4′5′-dichloro-6-carboxyfluorescein (JOE), fluorescein,fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), QFITC (XRITC); fluorescaminederivative (fluorescent upon reaction with amines); IR144; IR1446;Malachite Green isothiocyanate; 4-methylumbelliferone; orthocresolphthalein; nitrotyrosine; pararosaniline; Phenol Red,B-phycoerythrin; o-phthaldialdehyde derivative (fluorescent uponreaction with amines); pyrene and derivatives such as pyrene, pyrenebutyrate and succinimidyl 1-pyrene butyrate; Reactive Red 4 (Cibacron®Brilliant Red 3B-A), rhodamine and derivatives such as6-carboxy-X-rhodamine (ROX), 6-carboxyrhodamine (R6G), lissaminerhodamine B sulfonyl chloride, rhodamine (Rhod), rhodamine B, rhodamine123, rhodamine X isothiocyanate, sulforhodamine B, sulforhodamine 101and sulfonyl chloride derivative of sulforhodamine 101 (Texas Red);N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-6-carboxyrhodamine (TAMRA); tetramethyl Rhodamine,tetramethyl rhodamine isothiocyanate (TRITC); riboflavin; rosolic acidand lathanide chelate derivatives, quantum dots, cyanines, pyreliumdyes, and squaraines.

“Target” refers to the component of a tissue sample that may be detectedwhen present in the tissue sample. The target may be any substance forwhich there exists a naturally occurring specific binder (e.g., anantibody), or for which a specific binder may be prepared (e.g., a smallmolecule binder or an aptamer). In general, a binder may bind to atarget through one or more discrete chemical moieties of the target or athree-dimensional structural component of the target (e.g., 3Dstructures resulting from peptide folding). The target may include oneor more of natural or modified peptides, proteins (e.g., antibodies,affibodies, or aptamers), nucleic acids (e.g., polynucleotides, DNA,RNA, or aptamers); polysaccharides (e.g., lectins or sugars), lipids,enzymes, enzyme substrates, ligands, receptors, antigens, or haptens. Insome embodiments, targets may include proteins or nucleic acids. In someembodiments, targets may include both proteins and nucleic acids.

The invention includes embodiments that relate generally to methodsapplicable in analytical, diagnostic, or prognostic applications such asanalyte detection, histochemistry, immunostaining, immunohistochemistry,immunocytochemistry or immunofluorescence. In some embodiments, themethods disclosed herein may be particularly applicable inimmunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry.

In accordance with one embodiment, a method is described in which atissue section derived from pathological sampling is processed prior toprotein detection for biomarker assessment. In one embodiment, themethod comprises a two-step procedure that is applicable to multipleprotein antigens and may provide for high level of antigen retrieval. Incertain embodiments, this allows for multiplexing diagnosis ofclinically relevant samples.

In some embodiments, a tissue sample includes tissue sections fromhealthy or diseased tissues (e.g., tissue sections from colon, breasttissue, prostate). A tissue sample may include a single part or piece ofa tissue section, for example, a thin slice of tissue or cells cut froma tissue section. In some embodiments, the same section of tissue samplemay be analyzed at both morphological and molecular levels.

In some embodiments, the tissue sample may be first fixed and thendehydrated through an ascending series of alcohols, infiltrated andembedded with paraffin or other sectioning media so that the tissuesample may be sectioned. In an alternative embodiment, a tissue samplemay be sectioned and subsequently fixed. In some embodiments, the tissuesample may be embedded and processed in paraffin. Examples of paraffinthat may be used include, but are not limited to, Paraplast, Broloid,and Tissuecan. Once the tissue sample is embedded, the sample may besectioned by a microtome into sections. The thickness of the sectionsmay vary based on the type of tissue and analysis. In certainembodiments the sections may have a preferred thickness in a range offrom about two microns to about five microns.

Once sectioned, the sections may be attached to slides using adhesives.Examples of slide adhesives may include, but are not limited to, silane,gelatin, poly-L-lysine. In embodiments, if paraffin is used as theembedding material, the tissue sections may be deparaffinized andrehydrated in water. The tissue sections may be deparaffinized, forexample, by using organic agents (such as, xylenes or graduallydescending series of alcohols).

In other embodiments, the formaldehyde fixed tissue sample may beadhered to a solid support in order to allow for its analysis, transferand movement during the preparation and imaging processes. The tissuesample may be immobilized on the solid support by physical adsorption,by covalent bond formation, or by combinations thereof. A solid supportmay include a polymeric, a glass, or a metallic material. Examples ofsolid supports include a membrane, a microtiter plate, a bead, a filter,a test strip, a slide, a cover slip, and a test tube.

In one embodiment a method is described in which a formaldehyde fixedtissue sample is contacted with a first antigen retrieval solution andheated to a temperature of greater than 90° C. for a period of greaterthan 10 minutes, more preferable for a period of approximately 20minutes. Heating may occur using a pressure cooker, autoclave, waterbath, hot plate, microwave, or steam heater, to provide uniform heatingto the tissue sample immersed in the antigen retrieval solution. Thetissue sample is then transferred without additional treatment to asecond antigen retrieval solution that was pre-heated to a temperatureof greater than 90° C., for a similar period of time. Pre-heating mayoccur using a pressure cooker, autoclave, water bath, hot plate,microwave, steam heat or a combination thereof and can be performed atthe time of heating the first antigen retrieval solution. Preferably theincubation of the sample in the second antigen retrieval solution occursat atmospheric pressure, and by immersion only in the hot solution. Thismay prevent tissue damage.

In one embodiment, the first antigen retrieval solution is a buffersolution having a pH range between about 5 and about 7. The firstantigen retrieval solution may be a commonly used buffer solution usedto maintain pH in the range of slightly acidic to neutral. In certainembodiments the buffer may comprise citric acid, potassium dihydrogenphosphate, boric acid, diethyl barbituric acid,piperazine-N,N′-bis(2-ethanesulfonic acid), dimethylarsinic acid,2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid, or a combinations thereof. In otherembodiments, the buffer solution may be a citric acid sodium phosphatebuffer solution having a pH of approximately 6.0 at elevatedtemperatures.

With the application of heat, the first antigen retrieval solution mayact to hydrolyze crosslink bonds, which may have formed between theformalin and antigen, during sample fixation. This results in at leastsome portion of the antigen in the sample being retrieved.

In one embodiment, the second antigen retrieval solution is a buffersolution having an alkaline pH in the range of about 7.5 to about 11.The second antigen retrieval solution may be a commonly used buffersolution use to maintain pH in a slightly alkaline range. In certainembodiments, the buffer solution may be comprised oftris(hydroxymethyl)methylamine (TRIS), 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonicacid (TAPS), N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)glycine(Bicine),N-tris(hydroxymethyl)methylglycine (Tricine),4-2-hydroxyethyl-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid (HEPES),2-{[tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl]amino}ethanesulfonic acid (TES), or acombination thereof. In another embodiment, the buffer solution may be aTRIS-HCl buffer having a pH of approximately 10 at elevatedtemperatures.

As with the first antigen retrieval solution, the second antigenretrieval solution may act to hydrolyze crosslink bonds, which may haveformed between the fomalin and antigen during sample fixation. Theportion of the antigen being retrieved is at least some of anotherportion of unretrieved antigens in the sample.

It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the first antigenretrieval solution may be a buffer solution in the range of about 7.5 toabout 11 and the second antigen retrieval solution may be a buffersolution in the range of about 5 to about 7.

The antigen retrieved by exposure to the first and second antigenretrieval solutions may be more susceptible to immunostaining to allowfor both analytical and functional morphology studies. Immunostainingincludes both immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and immunocytochemical(ICC) staining. In certain embodiments improvement may include increasedintensity of positive staining and decrease background staining.

In certain embodiments, after the application of the second antigenretrieval solution, immunostaining of the sample may occur. An antibodysolution (e.g. a probe) may be contacted with the tissue section for asufficient period of time and under conditions suitable for binding ofthe labeled-antibody to the antigen. Two detection methods may be used:direct or indirect. In a direct detection, a signal generator-labeledprimary antibody (e.g., fluorophore-labeled primary antibody) may beincubated with an antigen in the tissue sample, which may be visualizedwithout further antibody interaction. In an indirect detection, anunconjugated primary antibody may be incubated with an antigen and thena labeled secondary antibody may bind to the primary antibody. Signalamplification may occur as several secondary antibodies may react withdifferent epitopes on the primary antibody. In embodiments where thesecondary antibody may be conjugated to an enzymatic label, achromogenic or fluorogenic substrate may be added to providevisualization of the antigen. In some embodiments two or more (at mostfour) primary antibodies (labeled or unlabeled) may be contacted withthe tissue sample. Unlabeled antibodies may be then contacted with thecorresponding labeled secondary antibodies. In some embodiments, othermethods may be employed for signal enhancement such as the use of alabeled tertiary or quaternary antibody.

In some embodiments after the antigen retrieval process, nucleic acidprobes are applied to the sample to perform fluorescent in situhybridization (FISH) or chromagenic in situ hybridization (CISH).

A signal from the signal generator in the probe may be detected using adetection system. The nature of the detection system used may dependupon the nature of the signal generators used. The detection system mayinclude an electron spin resonance (ESR) detection system, a chargecoupled device (CCD) detection system (e.g., for radioisotopes), afluorescent detection system, an electrical detection system, aphotographic film detection system, a chemiluminescent detection system,an enzyme detection system, an atomic force microscopy (AFM) detectionsystem and a scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) detection system (bothused for example in the detection of microbeads), an optical detectionsystem, a near field detection system, or a total internal reflection(TIR) detection system.

One or more of the aforementioned techniques may be used to observe oneor more characteristics of a first signal from a first signal generator.In some embodiments, signal intensity, signal wavelength, signallocation, signal frequency, or signal shift may be determined using oneor more of the aforementioned techniques. In some embodiments, one ormore aforementioned characteristics of the signal may be observed,measured, and recorded. In some embodiments, a signal generator mayinclude a fluorophore and fluorescence wavelength or fluorescentintensity may be determined using a fluorescence detection system. Insome embodiments, a signal may be observed in situ, that is, a signalmay be observed directly from the signal generator associated throughthe binder to the target in the tissue sample. In some embodiments, asignal from the signal generator may be analyzed within the tissuesample, obviating the need for separate array-based detection systems.In other embodiments, after probe binding, the signal may be separatedfrom the binder and detected away from the biological sample. Methodsfor the separation of the signal may include, but is not limited toELISA and mass spectrometry, hybridization micro arrays.

In some embodiments, observing a signal may include capturing an imageof the tissue sample. In some embodiments, a microscope connected to animaging device may be used as a detection system, in accordance with themethods disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a signal generator (suchas, fluorophore) may be excited and the signal (such as, fluorescencesignal) obtained may be observed and recorded in the form of a digitalsignal (for example, a digitized image). The same procedure may berepeated for different signal generators (if present) that are bound inthe sample using the appropriate fluorescence filters.

A chemical agent may be applied to the tissue sample to modify thesignal. In some embodiments, signal modification may include one or moreof a change in signal characteristic, for example, a decrease inintensity of signal, a shift in the signal peak, a change in theresonant frequency, or cleavage (removal) of the signal generatorresulting in signal removal.

In some embodiments, a chemical agent may be in the form of a solutionand the tissue sample may be contacted with the chemical agent solutionfor a predetermined amount of time. The concentration of the chemicalagent solution and the contact time may be dependent on the type ofsignal modification desired. In some embodiments, the contactingconditions for the chemical agent may be selected such that the binder,the target, the tissue sample, and binding between the binder and thetarget may not be affected. In some embodiments, a chemical agent mayonly affect the signal generator and the chemical agent may not affectthe target/binder binding or the binder integrity. Thus by way ofexample, a binder may include a primary antibody or a primaryantibody/secondary combination. A chemical agent according to themethods disclosed herein may only affect the signal generator, and theprimary antibody or primary antibody/secondary antibody combination mayessentially remain unaffected. In some embodiments, a binder (such as, aprimary antibody or primary antibody/secondary antibody combination) mayremain bound to the target in the tissue sample after contacting thesample with the chemical agent. In some embodiments, a binder may remainbound to the target in the tissue sample after contacting the samplewith the chemical agent and the binder integrity may remain essentiallyunaffected (for example, an antibody may not substantially denature orelute in the presence of a chemical agent). In other embodiments, thechemical agent may affect target/binder binding or binder/signalcontacts/linkages.

In some embodiments, multiple targets may be detected through “strippingof the probe and reprobing the sample. Stripping generally refers to anymethod, such as but not limited to, immersion in, or flushing byrepeated application of, a non-labeling solution or other substance,such as but not limited to water, saline, buffered saline, or ethanol,so as to provide a medium for dissociation, dispersal, and removal ofthe probe from the sample. In some embodiments, multiple targets may bedetected through the use of light to fluorescently bleach the reporteror signal generator, thereby allowing that signal generator to bere-used on a new probe. These processes may be repeated re-iterativelyto achieve multiple probings of the same sample.

In some embodiments, a characteristic of the signal may be observedafter contacting the sample with a chemical agent to determine theeffectiveness of the signal modification. For example, a color may beobserved before application of the chemical agent and the color may beabsent after application of the chemical agent. In another example,fluorescence intensity from a fluorescent signal generator may beobserved before contacting with the chemical agent and after contactingwith the chemical agent. In some embodiments, a decrease in signalintensity by a predetermined amount may be referred to as signalmodification. In some embodiments, modification of the signal may referto a decrease in the signal intensity by an amount in a range of greaterthan about 50 percent. In some embodiments, modification of the signalmay refer to a decrease in the signal intensity by an amount in a rangeof greater than about 60 percent. In some embodiments, modification ofthe signal may refer to a decrease in the signal intensity by an amountin a range of greater than about 80 percent.

In some embodiments, the tissue sample may be contacted with a secondprobe using one or more procedures described herein above for the firstprobe. The second probe may be capable of binding to target differentfrom the target bound by the first probe. In embodiments where aplurality of probes may be contacted with the tissue sample in the firstprobe contact step, the second probe may be capable of binding a targetdifferent from the targets bound by the first probe set. In someembodiments, a tissue sample may be contacted with a plurality of probesin the second probe contact step.

One or more detection methods described hereinabove may be used toobserve one or more characteristics of a subsequent (e.g., second,third, etc.) signal from a second signal generator (present in thesubsequent probe). In some embodiments, signal intensity, signalwavelength, signal location, signal frequency, or signal shift may bedetermined using one or more of the aforementioned techniques. Similarto the first signal, a subsequent signal (for example, a fluorescencesignal) obtained may be recorded in the form of a digital signal (forexample, a digitized image). In some embodiments, observing a subsequentsignal may also include capturing an optical image of the tissue sample.

In some embodiments, after contacting the sample with a subsequent(e.g., second, third, etc.) probe, agent modification and subsequentprobe administration may be repeated multiple times. In someembodiments, after observing a second signal from the second probe, thetissue sample may be contacted with a chemical agent to modify thesignal from the second probe. Furthermore, a third probe may becontacted with the tissue sample, wherein the third probe may be capableof binding a target different from the first and the second probes.Likewise, a signal from the third probe may be observed followed byapplication of chemical agent to modify the signal. The contacting,binding, and observing steps may be repeated iteratively multiple timesusing an nth probe capable of binding to additional targets to providethe user with information about a variety of targets using a variety ofprobes and/or signal generators.

In some embodiments, a series of probes may be contacted with the tissuesample in a sequential manner to obtained a multiplexed analysis of thetissue sample. In some embodiments, a series of probe sets (includingabout 4 probes in one set) may be contacted with the tissue sample in asequential manner to obtain a multiplexed analysis of the tissue sample.Multiplexed analysis generally refers to analysis of multiple targets ina tissue sample using the same detection mechanism.

In certain embodiments a kit useful for carrying out the methods ofantigen retrieval described above is provided. The kit may comprise oneor more of the antigen retrieval solutions. The kit may also furthercomprise instruction for use.

In some embodiments, a kit will include one or more additional reagentfor immunostaining and detection. For example, in some embodiments, thekit may include a signal generator such as a chromophore, a fluorophore,a Raman-active tag, or a radioactive label. The kit may also includereagents, which may improve detection or amplify the signal as describedabove including, but not limited to, polymerase enzyme, other buffers,metal cations and salts.

In accordance with one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 a sample handlingdevice 10 is described for contacting a formaldehyde fixed tissue sample15 with the aforementioned antigen retrieval and other washing andstaining solutions. The sample handling device may be comprised of asample handling subsystem 20 and a reagent dispensing subsystem 30. Incertain embodiments, the device may also include a signal detectionsubsystem 40. In one of the embodiments, the sample handling device maybe incorporated as a component of an analytical device such as anautomated high-throughput system that is capable of staining and imagingformaldehyde-fixed tissue sample in one system and still furtheranalyzes the images.

As such, in one embodiment, the system may include a sample handlingsubsystem for positioning and moving the formaldehyde-fixed tissuesample for analysis and a reagent dispensing subsystem to contact thesample with at least one of a first antigen retrieval solution, a secondantigen retrieval solution, and an immunostaining reagent. The samplehandling system may involve multiple components and allow movement ofthe sample from one area to the next. For example, the sample may becontacted with reagents using one device, and moved and affixed to astage for imaging, the movement of the stage being controllable. Thestage may be incorporated into a microscope and capable of moving thesample through an imaging field.

The system may also include a signal detection subsystem (not shown) tocapture images of the sample through the staining process. The image maybe captured using various illumination sources. In certain embodiments,the image capture may be part of an imaging microscope capable ofcapturing and transferring a digital image of the sample at variousmagnifications. In still another embodiment the automated system mayinclude a computer-readable medium that may includes instructions forthe automated technique for the analysis of the stainedformaldehyde-fixed tissue sample.

In other embodiments, the sample handling device may be capable ofcycling through multiple steps of antigen retrieval, fluorescencetagging, imaging, and stripping of the fluorescent probe. Staining mayalso involve immunoperoxidase labeling. In one embodiment analcohol-soluble peroxidase substrate, 3-amino-9-ethylcarbazole (AEC),may be used followed by removal of the AEC precipitate, optional furtherinactivation of the peroxidase with a mild peroxide treatment andrepeated staining. In other embodiments, the fluorescent probe may bestripped through a chemical treatment, a heat treatment or a combinationthere of.

The sampling handling device may be automated such that the multiplecycles may occur in situ, to minimize displacement of the sample and toaid in mapping of multiple markers in one tissue sector or cell sample.

EXPERIMENTAL Methods

Variables that affect the signal to noise ration, which is a reflectionof the sensitivity of the system, were analyzed using a design ofexperiment (DOE) approach. Variables included temperature, exposuretime, pH, and washing sequence. Images were acquired using a ZeissAxilmager Z1 microscope at 20× or 63× magnification. Quantification ofthe images was done using GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP) softwarecalculating average pixel intensity per area after subtractingbackground pixel intensity from non-stained areas. Average pixelintensity was calculated as the average of 10 images of the same tissue.

The following materials were used for the study: human archival tissuewas from a variety of sources and included samples for breast, prostate,lung, colon, placenta, salivary gland, lymph node, brain, and skin. Allsamples were from tissue archives. The specifics for fixation used areunknown and are presumed to have followed standard pathology practice.Antibodies for AR were obtained from Lab Vision Corporation (part ofThermo Fisher Scientific) and were conjugated in house with Cy3 and Cy5fluorochromes using standard procedures. Citrate based antigen retrievalsolution was obtained from Vector Laboratories and diluted 1:20 with afinal pH value of 6.0. A Tris based buffer consisted of 10 mM Tris(tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane), 1 mM EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraaceticacid), 1% Tween-20 (polyoxyethylenesorbitan monolaureate) to give a pHvalue of 8 (made from a freshly prepared 10× stock solution). A standardhome pressure cooker was used for heating, set on HI power, for 20minutes and manually monitored.

Formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue sections were processed bybaking the slides at 65° C. for 1 hour and removing the wax from thesample section with a histochoice clearing agent. It was found thatbaking the samples was not required, but was used through out as astandard practice.

The samples were then processed through a series of alcohol washes ofdecreasing concentration (100, 95, 70, 50% typically), each for 2×10minute washes, and then brought to saline conditions in PBS solution for10 minutes. The samples were then premeablized with a brief treatment inPBS containing 0.3% Triton X-100 followed by a retrieval process.

The retrieval process included placing the samples into a Solution A(Tris pH 8.0 with 1% Tween 20) in a pressure cooker or microwave forapproximately 20 minutes. At the end of the heat cycle, the samples wereplaced into a preheated solution B (citrate solution pH 6) in a heatedchamber without additional heat. The samples were not transferred to acold PBS solution in between the two hot solutions, nor exposed toadditional heat in the second solution. After the samples in the secondsolution had come to room temperature (approximately 20 minutes), thesamples were rinsed in PBS extensively prior to any additionalprocessing step such as blocking or peroxidase treatment (for endogenousperoxidase inactivation).

The samples may then undergo immuno-detection. After a first round ofimmuno-detection detection, samples may be cleared of signal andre-probed for additional antigens.

Alternatively, slides were processed using a Discovery® XT Autostainer(Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.). using a program setting similar to themanual process conditions. After bar-coding samples and preparingreagents, slides are loaded in to the autostainer and processed asfollows: samples were heated and dewaxed by rinsing in an EZ-prepreagent (wax removal solution for Ventana Discovery XT). Antigenretrieval was performed using CC1 and CC2 (two solutions for antigenretrieval supplied by Ventana for use on the Discovery XT autostainer),Tris and Citric acid based solutions, respectively. For the purpose ofcomparison to the manual two-step method, short and intermediate timeantigen retrievals were conducted which were referenced as mild andstandard in the Discovery XT Autostainer program. It should be notedthat on automated systems, tissue samples are rinsed between the twoantigen retrieval steps, a key difference between the manual processdescribed here and the automated processes. Slides were then stainedmanually along side samples processed by the two-step manual method.

Results and Observations

The use of an androgen receptor antibody for detection of AR in humanarchival prostate tissue sections was initially selected for analysis.This combination was chosen due to the lack of detectable signalproduced when staining is done in the absence of epitope unmasking (notshown). Using two common buffers for antigen unmasking, citrate or Tris,and treating the samples for 20 minutes in a pressure cooker staining ofmoderate intensity was produced using a fluorescent dye. The citrateunmasking conditions that were used represents commonly used protocolfor detection of AR by a variety of antibodies. Various conditions weretested including Citrate alone (set 1), Tris alone (set 2), Tris thenCitrate (set 3), and Citrate then Tris (set 4). All conditions weretested on slides in triplicate, except the control samples where tenslides were stained to establish a baseline measurement.

A first series of experiments used the Lab Vision AR antibody followedby detection with donkey anti-rabbit Cy3 secondary antibody. All dataacquisition used equal exposure times and images were collectedimmediately after staining. As shown in FIG. 2, the two-step processprovided a significant enhancement to staining for AR when compared toeither citrate or tris alone. FIG. 2 is a monochromatic image of thestaining showing enhanced staining on the right using a two stepprocedure.

In general, for each set of slides, a two fold or more increase instaining intensity was observed for AR with a two-step method comparedto a control sample. Time of exposure to a heated solution wascontrolled with all slides receiving a total time of 50 minutes. Thefirst heated step was done under pressure in a household pressure cookerfor all the experimental slides. After 25 minutes, slides from sets 1and 2 were put into a new jar of preheated solution (same solution as inthe first step heated in separate jars while the first step is underway)and allowed to cool in the pressure cooker (not under pressure) for anadditional 25 minutes. Slides were then washed in PBS and stainedovernight at 4° C. with the primary antibody. For slides from sets 3 and4, the solutions were changed to the respective conditions, as describedabove, during the latter 25 minutes of treatment and processed inparallel with the other sets.

Several permutations on the two-step procedure were also tested. In onepermutation, the sequence in which the two solutions were used did notinfluence the results. No differences in results were observed if theacidic solution was used first, followed by the basic, or vice versa.

Other permutations in the method proved to be detrimental to theprocess. These included re-pressurizing the sample for the secondheating period, and washing in PBS in between the first and secondsteps. Both of these changes resulted in a dramatic loss of tissue fromthe slide and were thus avoided.

After testing on primary antibodies to AR and detection with secondaryantibodies, Cy5-directly conjugated AR antibodies were tested. Similarresults were found using the direct conjugates whereby enhanced stainingwas observed in testing of a wide sampling of other commerciallyavailable antibodies. The process has also resulted in enhanced stainingusing a number of commercial grade phospho-epitopes, which are oftenunstable and prone to degradation in retrieval processes.

This procedure may also be applied for other applications such asprotein isolation from FFPE tissues where antigen retrieval methods havebeen shown to enhance protein extraction and recovery. The procedure mayalso have use in laser capture micro dissection from FFPE tissues as asource of proteins for proteomic analysis.

In another embodiment, the invention may be used on FFPE samples priorto FISH or CISH analysis. Typically, FFPE sample undergoing FISH or CISHanalysis will be exposed to a heat pre-treatment step prior to DNAdenaturation and probe hybridization. In accordance with one embodimentthe two-step procedure may be substituted for the heat pre-treatmentstep or other procedures used to prepare the tissue sample prior to FISHor CISH analysis. FIG. 3 shows monochromatic micrographs (at 20× and 63×magnification) showing enhanced staining using a two step procedure in amultiplex FISH analysis of BrCA tumor using various antibodies.

Method Comparison

An automated process was also evaluated using the Discovery XTAutostainer. There were differences in process conditions between theautostainer and the manual two-step process related to the operation ofthe instrument. For instance, the autostainer used heat and detergent todewax samples, while the manual process used the non-toxic Histochoice™wax clearing reagent (Amresco).

Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) LNCaP cells (American TypeCulture Collection (ATCC, Maryland) were stained for S6, phospho-S6ser235/236, or phospho-S6 ser240/244 after the cells were prepared bymanual two-step antigen retrieval described here, or by two similarmethods using the Discovery XT autostainer. While antigen retrieval wasaccomplished using a manual or automated process, differences wereobserved in sequential signal removal/modification and restaining. Inmost cases a reduction in staining results from 1 or 5 signalmodification steps using the automated system. For S6 a complete loss ofstaining resulted after just one round of signal modification using theautomated methods. In all cases manual two step method providing thebest preservation of each antigen. The manual two step method alsoshowed less sensitivity when staining either phospho-epitope.

The differences are illustrated in FIG. 4, which is a graphicrepresentation of a quantitative analysis comparing the greater epitopestability provided by the manual two-step antigen retrieval methodcompared to two automated processes. The average pixel intensities areshown evaluating the bleaching effect on antigen-S6. Slides wereprepared by three different dewaxing and antigen retrieval methods andsubjected to 0, 1, and 5 rounds of bleaching before being stained.Quantitative analysis indicated the manual two-step method bestpreserved the antigen. Different epitopes on the same protein respondeddifferentially to bleaching, which may indicate a predominantly epitopeeffect, not loss of protein. This is also shown in FIG. 5, which aremonochromatic micrographs (at 20× magnification) of the bleaching effecton antigen-56 comparing the manual two-step antigen retrieval method totwo automated processes.

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departingfrom the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The foregoingembodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects asillustrative rather than limiting on the invention described herein. Thescope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims ratherthan by the foregoing description, and all changes that come within themeaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended tobe embraced therein.

1. A sample handling device for carrying out the method of antigenretrieval comprising; a sample handling subsystem capable of; incubatinga formaldehyde-fixed tissue sample in a first antigen retrieval solutionat a temperature of greater than 90° C.; transferring theformaldehyde-fixed tissue sample to a second antigen retrieval solution;and incubating the formaldehyde-fixed tissue sample in the secondantigen retrieval solution at a temperature of greater than 90° C.; anda reagent dispensing subsystem capable of contacting theformaldehyde-fixed tissue sample with: a first antigen retrievalsolution comprises a buffer solution having a pH range of between about5 and about 7 and a second antigen retrieval solution comprises a buffersolution having a pH range of between about 7.5 and about 11; or a firstantigen retrieval solution comprises a buffer solution having a pH rangeof between about 7.5 and about 11 and a second antigen retrievalsolution comprises a buffer solution having a pH range of between about5 and about 7; and an immunostaining reagent; and a signal detectionsubsystem.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the sample handling deviceis capable of running more than one cycle of reagent dispensing.
 3. Thedevice of claim 2 wherein the more than one cycle of reagent dispensingcomprises the one or more of the steps of antigen retrieval,fluorescence tagging, imaging, and stripping of the fluorescent probe.4. The device of claim 1 wherein the signal detection subsystemcomprises an imaging microscope capable of capturing and transferring adigital image of the formaldehyde-fixed tissue sample.
 5. The device ofclaim 4 wherein the system further comprises a stage for controlling theposition of formaldehyde-fixed tissue sample relative to the imagingmicroscope.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the system furthercomprises a processor for automating at least one component of thesample handling subsystems.
 7. The device of claim 4 wherein theprocessor comprises a computer-readable medium with instructions for theautomated technique for the analysis of the formaldehyde-fixed tissuesample after immunostaining.